Dallas Roofing: Article About Doing Roof Maintenance

Roofing term explained by the roofers at Total Roofing in Dallas:Black algae

Black algae has the appearance of tar. It is difficult to remove because its outermost layer is made of polymucosaccharide, which makes it water resistant. While it will not damage roofing material, it is unsightly.

Dallas roofing company Total Roofing answers a question:What should a homeowner look for during a roof inspection?

Most roofing inspections can be done from the ground using binoculars. Homeowners should look for shingles that have been cracked, that are curled, that show signs of blistering or that are missing. They should check their gutters for granule accumulation as this is a sign that the roof is nearing the end of its life. Additionally, they should check the flashings for signs of corrosion and damage.

Total Roofing: Honest Dallas Roofing

Dallas roofing professionals realize that homeowners pay thousands of dollars when installing a composite shingle roof. It can be 2 to 6 times as much to install a roof using premium roofing material such as copper or slate. Homeowners want to protect the investment they have made in their roof. They can do this is by regularly inspecting and properly maintaining their roof.

Keeping gutters cleaned is an important part of roof maintenance. If a gutter overflows, water may wick into the plywood roof sheathing, causing it to rot and attacking the roof rafters. It can cost thousands of dollars to repair this type of damage.

Removing leaves and debris that come from nearby trees will prevent moisture from getting trapped on the roof. It is especially important to check the roof valleys in areas near chimneys, where debris often accumulates. As leaves and debris decompose on a roof, they become a fertile ground for mold and moss growth, as well as create an environment in which weeds to grow.

Moss and black algae can attack a composite roof. Although algae is unsightly, it does not hurt a roof. It can easily be removed with bleach or a detergent mixed with water. Moss, on the other hand, will damage a roof.

The roofing experts at Total Roofing of Dallas can assist you with any questions regarding residential roofing or gutters.

Moss has a three dimensional fuzzy appearance. It will grow strands that will penetrate the composite roofing material, causing it to deteriorate. Cleaning products that have a potassium salt base can be used to remove moss.

Once the roof has been cleared of moss, homeowners should have zinc strips applied to the roof. As rainwater runs down the roof and over the zinc strips, it carries flecks of the metal down the roof, which, in turn, inhibits moss growth. The zinc strips should be applied every 15 feet.

Trees with branches that hang over a roof pose a serious risk. Abrasion from the branches of the trees that touch the roof will eventually damage the shingles, especially during heavy winds. Additionally, overhanging branches make it possible for squirrels and rodents to attack the roof and potentially make their home in the soffits of the roof. For this reason, branches should be trimmed to be at least 10 feet away from the roof.

Snow and ice accumulation can lead to ice dams that will damage shingles by causing them to rise up off the decking. This will allow water to filtrate underneath the roofing material and eventually work its way into the home. Ice dams can be prevented by installing proper roofing ventilation, as well as by removing excess snow from the roof.

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